A drive has been launched to coordinate action against the growing menace of drugs on Teesside.

Stockton's Drugs Action Team (DAT) was launched yesterday by Redcar MP Mo Mowlam, the Minister with responsibility for tackling drug misuse.

She said the narcotics situation on Teesside was "dire", while Stockton's problem was worsening.

The team - formed ahead of a string similar projects set to be set up across the country - will bring together local politicians, senior managers from Stockton Borough Council, the NHS, police and probation, as well as representatives from the voluntary sector, carers and service user group.

The DAT will be chaired by Ann Baxter, Stockton's director of social services, and will meet on a monthly basis.

Its key tasks will include identifying the area's needs and resources, developing a commissioning plan of action, and ensuring all agencies are held accountable for delivery of the national drugs strategy.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Mowlam said: "Locally, in Stockton, I am aware that the drug issue is becoming more widespread.

"The situation for the whole of Teesside is dire. It has one of the highest numbers of young people who are addicts across the country and it is getting worse.

"As a local MP, I am here to help. I can provide money and help with funding counsellors.

"We have to do what we can.

"In the end, we need to make sure the partnerships between the health action zone and the DAT are working and are pro-active.

"I believe the partnership will be a very effective tool when supporting and expanding treatment services. It is just the sort of partnership that can make a difference."

The Government has allocated a management fund of £36,311 to support the new Stockton DAT, most of which will be used to establish a drugs manager post. This role will be developed in consultation with the DAT.

The job description may include co-ordinating the DAT, specific project work and, possibly, direct management of some services.

Dr Mowlam said: "There is no easy fix, no quick solution. We cannot deal with addiction overnight. It does not happen quickly. We are working towards a ten-year strategy which we will keep developing and assessing."

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